Los Angeles Assault and Battery Lawyer

Assault in California is treated as a serious crime, and a conviction can have severe and long-term consequences, including possibly jail time. If you are charged with assault in Southern California, now or in the future, an experienced Los Angeles assault and battery lawyer is your best option for protecting your freedom and safeguarding your future.

Request a free consultation with our office in Los Angeles today.

Understanding Assault and Battery in California

In California, assault and battery are distinct crimes, each with its own set of legal definitions and consequences. Assault refers to the intentional act of threatening harm or causing someone to fear imminent injury, while battery involves actual physical contact with another person, typically without consent. Both are considered violent crimes, but battery usually carries more severe penalties due to the physical harm involved.

At Miranda Rights Law Firm, we know the complexities of assault and battery charges and are committed to defending your rights. If you are facing accusations of either offense, we can help navigate the legal process to protect your future.

Assault Charges

Criminal defense lawyer Douglas Miranda is ready to provide a high-quality legal defense in your case, as he handles all types of assault charges including:

Battery;
Mayhem;
Simple assault;
Felony assault;
Assault with a firearm; and
Assault with a deadly weapon.

Some of these charges may be considered aggravated. Aggravated assault cases can be prosecuted as a felony, which may carry serious penalties if convicted.

PENALTIES FOR ASSAULT AND BATTERY IN CALIFORNIA

A simple assault offense in California may be fairly simple and may not cause actual injury to the victims. Assault, by itself, is an offense involving a person who intentionally tries to cause physical harm to another, not just by words, but also by actions. The other person must believe that he or she is about to be injured or assaulted. Assault doesn’t have to actually involve any act of physical violence. When an act of physical violence takes place, the charges against the person will involve battery.

If you have been charged with simple assault, you’re typically looking at misdemeanor assault charges. However, in some cases, prosecutors may use their discretion to increase the charges to felony charges.

For example, when the assault involves healthcare workers, or public workers engaged in discharging their duties, like emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, and other types of workers, then charges may be bumped up to more serious charges. Besides, assaults against a school district police officer, or a corrections officer in the prison may also qualify for felony charges.

Simple Assault Consequences

If you are convicted of simple assault in California, it’s important to get in touch with a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney immediately. A conviction can lead to penalties that include up to six months in jail, and a fine up to about $1,000. You could even be placed on probation for a period of six months. It’s also possible for assault victims to pursue their attacker in a civil arena by filing a personal injury lawsuit.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon Consequences

If the assault was committed with a deadly weapon or other means of force that was meant to cause great bodily injury, it can be charged as assault with a deadly weapon, which carries much more severe consequences than simple assault. This is a wobbler offense in California, so it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. You may face up to one year in county jail if you are convicted of a misdemeanor and up to four years in jail if you are convicted of a felony.

Battery Consequences

Battery differs from assault because it requires the use of force or violence against someone else, as opposed to just the attempt to use force, which is assault. Battery is a misdemeanor and may be punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and up to six months in county jail. However, if your battery causes serious bodily injuries to the victim, then you will face tougher penalties. Battery causing serious bodily injury can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor, which is known as a wobbler offense in California. If it is a felony, you may face up to four years in prison.

If you have been charged with assault or battery, talk to a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, and learn how you can defend yourself against these charges with the help of an experienced legal professional. We will thoroughly examine the evidence and work with you to come up with the best defense for your case.

ASSAULT AND BATTERY DEFENSES

If you have been charged with assault and/or battery in the state of California, that does not mean you will automatically be convicted. An experienced Los Angeles assault and battery attorney will be able to develop a solid defense strategy after thoroughly reviewing the charges against you and the details of your case.

Self Defense

One of the most common defenses used in assault and battery cases is self defense. If you committed assault or battery in order to protect yourself, someone else or your property, then you may be able to avoid a conviction. To claim self defense, you must have reasonably believed that you were in danger, that the use of force was necessary to defend yourself, and that you used no greater force than was reasonably necessary in order to defend yourself.

Many defendants are falsely accused of assault and battery by people who are angry, seeking revenge or jealous. Because the victim does not need to have physical evidence of an injury, it has become all too easy for someone to falsely accuse another person of assault. Contact experienced Los Angeles assault and battery attorney Douglas Miranda as soon as possible if you have been charged with this crime.

WHY HIRE MIRANDA RIGHTS LAW FIRM

All assault charges in California have this in common: you must be defended effectively because every assault conviction counts as a “strike” under the California Three-Strikes Rule. With more than two decades of criminal defense experience representing thousands of clients in southern California, Los Angeles assault and battery lawyer, Douglas Miranda has established a reputation for tenacity and a record of excellence that few can match.

Typically, the key to winning assault cases is to find and interview witnesses quickly. These witnesses often contradict the individual claiming to be the victim of an assault. We then gather evidence that supports these witness statements. We may find that you acted in self-defense or that the charge is entirely fabricated.

Book a Free Consultation Today

You can choose from lots of Southern California lawyers, but when your freedom and your reputation is on the line, you deserve one of the most well-regarded criminal defense attorneys in the region. Attorney Douglas Miranda can help you with assault charges stemming from bar fights, family quarrels, disputes with neighbors, and a vast array of other incidents. If you’re facing any kind of assault charge in southern California, put an experienced Los Angeles assault and battery lawyer to work for you.

After evaluating your case, Attorney Douglas Miranda will explain your legal options and work to develop the most effective possible defense on your behalf. We will fight for you every step of the way. At the Miranda Rights Law Firm, we take our responsibility to our clients seriously, and we put our experience to work for you. To schedule a free case consultation with an experienced Los Angeles assault and battery lawyer, contact us today.

Schedule a free consultation by calling 213-255-5838. Se habla español.